Photoplay (Jan-Jun 1953)

readers inc.,. OUR ERROR: The enclosed is a paragraph from your December issue of Photoplay: “Probably to prove that the Christmas spirit can overcome anything, Steve Cochran, who insists he will never re-marry, always entertains not only his ex-wife. Fay McKenzie, and their little girl at Christmas time, but also his ex-mother-in-law. Actually they all meet (together with Steve’s mother, who flies in from her home in Alaska) at Carmel, California, where Fay has a house — but it is Steve who foots all the bills, gives everyone terrific presents and enjoys himself very much.” How misinformed can you be! I have never lived in Carmel and do not own a house there, and Mr. Cochran and I had no children, and I assure you I have never spent a Christmas with him since our divorce. I expect and am sure you will print a complete retraction at once. This has caused me much embarrassment since I am now happily married and do have a small son. My husband is Thomas Waldman, who is a television writer and producer. I really don’t relish being pictured as a sort of poor relation of Mr. Cochran’s. I realize this was probably the result of carelessness on someone’s part, since Mr. Cochran was previously married to a Florence Lockwood. Perhaps she is the one to whom Miss Waterbury was referring. However, that doesn’t lessen the embarrassment for me and I must insist that you print a correction at once. Fay McKenzie Waldman Scarsdale, New York Photoplay regrets that its errors in the December article caused you any embarrassment. It is always this magazine’s intention to publish only verified facts, and Ruth W aterbury, the author of this particular feature, sincerely is known as one of Hollywood’s most accurate reporters. Please accept our apologies. — ED. SOAP BOX: . . . “One Minute to Zero” . . . was the best picture put out for many months . . . There was only one fault with it, however. Ann Blyth’s portrayal certainly didn’t belong in this picture. Her part just wasn’t realistic enough . . . Whoever heard of a girl having her hair in place, having manicured nails, fresh clothes, and looking freshly scrubbed while up on the front lines? Roberta Apple East Cleveland, Ohio . . . my first letter of either praise or complaint about a movie and Pm sorry it had to be one of complaint! ... let me state that I have liked Mario Lanza from the beginning— and I have seen some of his pictures as many as four times each, but I could not stand “Because You’re Mine” ! Even his wonderful voice couldn’t and didn’t make up for the senseless story ... To me, Mario looked much handsomer with a fuller face! Franc Kutzli Flint, Michigan Haven’t you noticed a resemblance between lovely Joan Evans and Marilyn Monroe? They can pass for sisters, for both have the face and figure. Charles Black Belmont, Trinidad Almost every article written about a young and eligible female movie star (and too, one that isn’t so young and eligible for that matter) praises, among other things, the fact that she writes to the boys in service ... A great morale builder, says Hollywood. Just wondering why the bachelors of Hollywood don’t follow suit and write some friendly notes to the women in service; especially those overseas ... (or is the grass really greener on the U.S. side of the ocean? ) . Pec. Elizabeth J. Holmes c/o Postmaster, APO 503 San Francisco, California Well, Hollywood has its new king! John Derek’s good looks qualify him for the throne, but his sensational acting ability makes the throne his place in Hollywood. Betty Garrard Macon, Georgia Why, oh why, won’t Hollywood men cut their hair? . . . why it hangs down over their ears and neck ! My favorite example is Rock Hudson . . . I’m quite sure he’d be just as handsome without all that hair! Nancie Andersen Silver Springs, Maryland “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” was excellent, but I’m tired of reading about how good Ava Gardner was. She was good, but not half as outstanding as Susan Hayward. Let’s give Susan some credit, too . . .Tab Hunter was outstanding in “Island of Desire,” but it looked silly to see a boy that looks eighteen play opposite a woman about thirty-four . . . let’s see him with Debbie Reynolds, Lori Nelson or Barbara Bates. Lynn Fishman Altadena, California CASTING: I heard John Agar sing in a theatre in Chicago and I think he has a wonderful voice. Why doesn’t some studio give him a chance to play in a musical? . . . Carol Mueller Chicago, Illinois John Agar Why, oh why, doesn’t 20th Century-Fox ever produce any more fine musicals? . . . I’d give anything to see them make one on the life of Ted Lewis, starring their one and only Dan Dailey. Dan could really put ribbons on a part like that . . . Betty Beaughan Seattle, Washington Dan Dailey I think Robert Mitchum is one of the best actors on the screen . . . but I wonder why it isn’t possible for him to play in a picture with that fiery Marilyn Monroe . . . Pfc. Lowell Green Landshut, Germany I think some of those directors and producers must have birds in their heads . . . Why don’t they put someone like Doris Day and Frankie Laine together in a big musical? They can sing and they don’t sound like a rooster with a split throat like some of the stars. Carol Timmins Johnston City, Illinois I think the book “Ben Hur” would make a good movie. Gregory Peck as Ben Hur, Deborah Kerr as Mary, Stewart Granger as Joseph, Ursula Thiess as Ben Hur’s wife. Jerry D. Waterbury, Connecticut Since Betty Grable likes horses so well, why not star her in a musical Western? She could sing and dance and ride horses, too. Shirley Harrison Dunbar, West Virginia QUESTION BOX: Could you please tell me who played in the “Black Rose.” I said Wanda Hendrix and Tyrone Power had the leads, but my sister said I’m wrong. Please settle this point. Florence Trzesniewski Milwaukee, Wise. Tyrone Power, Orson Welles and Jack Hawkins were cast in the three leading masculine roles, and the leading feminine part was played by Cecile Aubrey.— -ED. p (Continued on page 14) 13